Evaluation of the effects of fluoride-releasing varnish on dentin demineralization using optical coherence tomography

Effects of a fluoride-releasing varnish containing surface reaction-type prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler on dentin demineralization were examined using optical coherence tomography. Bovine incisors that were sliced and treated with undersaturated 0.1 M lactic acid buffer solution (DE group). A thin film of varnish-containing S-PRG filler was applied before demineralization (PRG group). Control was maintained in artificial saliva. Using optical coherence tomography of selected locations on the dentin surface, peak intensity (dB) and width (μm) at 1/e(2) were obtained and integrated values calculated. Although alterations in integrated values were different in each group, there was a slight but not significant increase in those for the control group and a slight but significant increase for the De group. For the PRG group, integrated values were doubled seven days after experiment initiation, followed by a significant increase. Fluoride-releasing varnish containing S-PRG fillers prevented dentin demineralization as detected by optical coherence tomography.